| August 29, 2020 - No. 32 On the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of CPC(M-L) Tributes Paid at the Party Memorial in Beechwood Cemetery |
The Central
Committee recognized Peter's contribution by presenting him
posthumously with the Party's 50th Anniversary Award for championing
the cause of the Greek working class and people all his life and the
cause of the Quebec and Canadian working class since he came to Canada
after World War II. The award recognizes Peter's fidelity to the cause
of the Party and communism as well as his valiant stands when the Party
and he himself were persecuted by the state in the early seventies. It
was his life's work to unite all workers, no matter what their national
origin as one class with one program, in defence of minority rights and
the rights of all and for the recognition of the Quebec nation and its
right to self-determination.
Every year
delegations visit the Party Memorial which holds high the contribution
of all those whose names are inscribed on it. What is more, it pays
tribute to the modern personality of those who put real life as the
basis of our development and take up Contemporary Marxist-Leninist
Thought as a guide. This personality instinctively gravitates towards
communism and respects the communist and revolutionary leaders the
world over -- those whose hallmark is their participation in changing
society in favour of the peoples. This personality uses Marxism as a
guide to action, never as a replacement for profound activity in real
life.
In this vein, the
meeting called by the Central Committee with leading cadre of the
Workers' Centre and held in mid-August discussed the work required to
increase the participation of the workers in reading, writing and
distributing Workers' Forum in a manner which ends
the marginalization of the working class and vulnerable sections of the
people at this crucial time when the bourgeoisie seeks to control
everything to its own advantage. With regard to the mass Party press,
the meeting decided that at this time, the immediate task is to
establish all the links necessary in the class and acquire the
competence required to develop the consciousness and organization of
the advanced sections of the class, along with the wherewithal to
extend this consciousness and organization to the broad sections of the
class. In keeping with the theoretical and ideological considerations
which gave rise to the formation of Groups of Writers and
Disseminators, this work to strengthen the Party press must be based on
the strength of the class itself. There is no short-cut or by-pass to
get around the fact that the working class must be the instrument of
its own emancipation and the need for the Party, as the most advanced
section of the class, to provide the class with the required
consciousness and organization. The Party relies on the Groups of
Writers and Disseminators to strengthen the mass Party press and it has
taken practical measures to strengthen this work.
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Since the Party paid first-rate attention to developing the mass Party press and non-Party press in 1985, it has carried out broad and ongoing work to give rise to a new journalism that can serve the needs of the working class and broad masses of the people for enlightenment and social progress. At that time, it was analyzed that the working class must take measures to win the middle strata over to its side and break the stranglehold of the bourgeoisie over this section of society. The Party gave rise to a form of journalism which serves the need for enlightenment and social consciousness.
Since the 8th Party Congress, the Party leadership has paid specific attention to making sure that concrete arrangements are put in place which strengthen the Party publications. In particular, it has taken measures whereby Party activists constitute themselves as Groups of Writers and Disseminators and take up fields of writing and related activities such as reporting on the working class movement; investigating and reporting on the conditions of the working class, both in general and in different sectors of the economy. Through the Party press, the Party and its Workers' Centre have issued statements, analyses, commentaries and views, presenting the positions of the Party on all the issues of importance to both the working class and society in general, in both national and international areas of concern.
At this time, the bourgeoisie is attacking society with a vengeance, targeting in particular the forward-looking view that society should provide for the well-being of all its members. The bourgeoisie is not merely defending the status quo and refusing to move forward. It is not merely refusing to extend the provision of health care and education and other needs such as daycare and old-age security. It has destroyed the very conception of justice, fairness and the social responsibility of governments to do their duty towards members of the polity. By passing legislation based on the medieval view that every individual should fend for herself or himself, even the limited conception of social responsibility that had become the norm in Canada is trampled underfoot.
These developments which are taking place reflect the deep crisis of capitalism, a crisis in which the capitalists and the state as the private treasurer of the capitalist class as a whole cannot generate the levels of revenue that are required to service the insatiable demands of the oligopolies for investments and for the specific types of infrastructure they require at this time. This is why the ruling circles do not adequately fund those areas of spending which are related to the health, education and social welfare of the people. In the same way, no matter how much richer the rich become as a result of governments' pay-the-rich schemes, the workers are submitted to intensified exploitation in the name of "prosperity." Meanwhile, the policies of cartel parties of the establishment are inseparable from the aim of preserving the capitalist system. Whether "Conservative," "Liberal," or "Social-Democrat," they have been compelled by these objective developments to become the open spokespersons and agents for social retrogression.
Under these conditions, where the ruling circles are pushing society backwards, the achievements of the Party in the field of journalism for enlightenment are a great accomplishment, as is having created the conditions for the same flourishing of the journalism of the working class to take place. Both need to be developed to the maximum to have the advanced positions of the working class in the dominant position in society. Both the mass Party press and non-Party press have critical roles to play.
Display from the 44th
anniversary of the Party and mass party press, August 23, 2014.
The mass Party press, as the voice of the working class, is an important instrument in the movement of the working class to create the conditions for its own emancipation and open the path for society's progress. The Party also created the mass non-Party press whose partisanship is to the movement for enlightenment and for the progress of society. In this regard, its content and editorial policy reflect the concerns of the people and, in a manner of speaking, it sets the agenda for society by determining which issues are in fact matters of concern and by eliminating or rejecting all those things which are diversionary and irrelevant.
The partisanship of the mass Party press is to the working class and the leading role of the working class over the entire society. It is dedicated to providing the class with the consciousness and organization commensurate with its revolutionary position in society. The movement for enlightenment reflected in the pages of the mass non-Party press, can really thrive only with the working class taking its place and providing all those who are concerned and discontented with the existing situation with the advanced fighting positions, that is by setting the agenda for the working class and its allies to create a modern society based on a modern system.
TML Weekly takes this opportunity to congratulate all those who have contributed to the strengthening and consolidation of the mass Party press and the mass non-Party press. We call on you to continue to provide it with support and expand it at this time when it is crucial that the working class movement further develop its independent politics and use its voice and organizing power to mobilize the broad masses of the people calling for democratic renewal.
Permanent Resident Status for All!
National Day of Action in
Defence of
the Rights of All
On August 23, working people across the country took a bold stand in defence of the rights of all in pickets and other actions demanding Status for All! Actions organized by the Migrant Rights Network took place in cities and towns from coast to coast: on the Halifax Peninsula, in Sherbrooke, Montreal, Ottawa, Sudbury, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Windsor, Regina and Vancouver. The Migrant Rights Network is an umbrella group of nearly fifty migrant rights organizations.
The main focus of the Cross Canada Day of Action was to demand once again that Canada uphold the rights of all migrants to Canada and grant status immediately to the 1.6 million people living here without permanent resident status. Permanent resident status must be recognized so that all migrants have the basis for a dignified and secure life.
The call out for
the actions said, "For too long, those of us without permanent resident
status have been unable to get universal services, or speak back
against bad bosses and power structures. COVID-19 has exacerbated our
crisis. We have lost lives and livelihoods. We have been excluded from
receiving the support we need. We need a single-tier society where
everyone in the country has the same rights and opportunities, and that
means full and permanent immigration status for all. No more racism, no
more deaths, no more exploitation, STATUS NOW!"
In the Halifax area the action took place over two days in eight locations on the Halifax Peninsula, with the message of postering and flyering at farmers' markets on August 22 that "Migrant workers are part of our community!" Among the actions on August 23 was one outside the Northwood seniors' residence where so many workers and residents were infected with COVID-19 and 53 residents died.
In Montreal, festive marches were organized in several neighbourhoods -- Montréal-Nord, Parc Ex, Côte-des-Neiges and downtown -- to mobilize the communities around the demand "Status for All!"
In Ottawa an event was held in front of the Immigration and Refugee Board offices in answer to the call of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.
The Toronto action outside the Immigration and Refugee Board and Canada Border Services Agency offices included the installation of a human clock to emphasize "We are DONE WAITING! The Time for Status for All is NOW!" Among the speakers was Gabriel Flores, a migrant farmworker who was fired from his job because he stood up for his and fellow workers' health and safety after one of his workmates contracted COVID-19 and died. He pointed out that migrant workers are put in the untenable position of working in dangerous conditions under threat of deportation if they refuse. Other speakers included an international student, a careworker and a member of Migrante Canada.
Some thirty people participated in the Niagara Falls action at the Niagara Detention Centre which is used to detain asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. A speaker at the action pointed out that seasonal agricultural workers have long been organizing for their rights, with successful sit-down and slow-down strikes, speaking out against abuse and holding agri-businesses accountable.
In Windsor, where migrant farm workers in nearby Leamington and Kingsville have been hard-hit by COVID-19 due to the reprehensible living and working conditions they endure, and government refusal to protect them, 65 people rallied in front of the offices of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to call for permanent resident status for migrants. They were told that migrant farm workers were appreciative of all the support and love they have been receiving from other working people and their communities at this difficult time. Participants were informed that $50,000 had so far been raised from unions and some other community groups and individuals to acquire personal protective equipment to give to agri-food workers since many employers are not supplying them with it, and are not being required to do so either by the province. They were also told that volunteers continue to deliver boxes of food to migrant workers who are self-isolating in area hotels, to supplement the inadequate meals many were receiving from the Red Cross who the government had contracted to look after the food needs of quarantining workers.
The action organized by the University of Regina Students' Union at MP Michael Kram's office demanded permanent resident status for international students under the conditions of the pandemic. Many international students have not been able to find summer jobs and some cannot currently return to their country because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most are wondering how they will find the money to pay their tuition, which is around three times higher than that paid by Canadian citizens.
The Vancouver event was centred at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office. To respect physical distancing requirements only a few people were at the information table while others came by to pick up posters which they put up around the city. One of the organizers, Nayeli Jimenez, explained to a representative of Workers' Forum that the aim was to mobilize the community behind the demand for full immigration status for all migrant workers in Canada. She pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation of temporary foreign workers, which was already bad, even worse as these workers lack the protection that those with permanent resident status have. Commenting on the deportation of two Mexican farm workers who broke the employer's rules by receiving food and clothing from community members in the Okanagan, she said this shows that all workers need full immigration status so that they can stand up to such violations of their rights, access the communities they are living in, and be able to change employers.
Across the country, migrant workers and their supporters pledged to step up their organizing to defend the rights of migrants and those without status and to achieve permanent resident status for all so that all migrants, who are part of the Canadian working class, can live with dignity.
Full Status for All Now!
We Are
All Essential!
Defend the Rights of All!
Halifax, NS
Sherbrooke,QC
Montreal,
QC
Ottawa, ON
Toronto, ON
Niagara Falls
Windsor
Vancouver
(Photos: TML, No One Is Illegal Halifax, Ensemble avec les personnes migrantes contre le racisme, C.T. Flook, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, K. Andres, N. Jimenez.)
Activists Call Out the Legault Government on Restrictive "Special Program"
More than 200 people responded to the call Stand Up For Dignity at Peace Park, in front of the Quebec government's Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration offices in Montreal on August 22. They were there to tell the Legault government that its newly announced "special program" for asylum seekers is extremely restrictive and unacceptable, as it excludes thousands upon thousands of essential workers without status who risked their lives and those of their families.
The "special program" announced by both the federal and Quebec governments on August 14 includes only designated occupations, such as orderlies, nurses, nurses' aides and patient service associates, assistant orderlies and certain home support workers.
Élise
Dubé of Extinction Rebellion said, "As a racialized person
living in Quebec, I find myself once again in conflict with the
appalling decisions of the Quebec government. What kind of example is
this giving to us youth? What kind of values is this teaching us,
whereby essential workers who made all kinds of sacrifice are being
treated as disposable, are being abandoned and deprived of status? This
mentality of exclusion is instilled in our society, in this racist and
colonialist Quebec system. The message being conveyed is that those who
worked during the pandemic at the risk of their own lives and those of
their families, must now live in uncertainty as to their own future. We
youth are not interested in building that kind of society."
Claire Launay of Quebec Is Us Too, an organization fighting for just and inclusive immigration in Quebec, pointed to the glaring contradiction where Premier Legault thanked all of Quebec's essential workers during the pandemic, "yet there's an attempt to thank as few workers as possible by way of a status in Canada." Adding that those who enabled Quebec to continue to function are left without proper access to health care themselves, she asked: "What image of Quebec is Mr. Legault attempting to present to the rest of Canada?" Addressing herself directly to the Premier and his Immigration Minister, she told them: "It is your responsibility to keep us safe, to respect and recognize our human rights. I am ashamed of my government!" Launay concluded that in the second wave of the coronavirus, "these workers will still be there, as they cannot afford not to...work."
"Is it really imaginable that the society can function without grocery clerks, without people getting up every day at 5:00 am to go to work at Olymel, or without those who prepare meals for our seniors?" asked Olivier Lachance of Socialist Alternative. He pointed to the need to "build upon the power struggle so that status is obtained for all, along with improved working and living conditions."
Eve Torres, a social activist, stressed that the movement's demand of status for all is what all human beings require to live in dignity, equality and security. "Why is it that immigrants must risk their lives?" she asked and encouraged everyone to speak out in support of these vulnerable workers. She concluded, that Quebec belongs to "all those who are building it, who are contributing to it. We are all essential."
Guillaume Cliche-Rivard of the Quebec Immigration Lawyers Association (AQAADI) noted that this was not his organization's first fight with the Legault government. He then referred back to the Legault government's Quebec Experience Program reform, recalling that the government had been forced to revise it twice because of public outcry, and that although its final version was "far from perfect," it was a lot better than the original.
"The government is listening," he commented, "and if the pressure mounts from all sectors of the society, as we are seeing today, there can and will be results. So, don't stop fighting, don't stop the struggle, demand regularization, you deserve it and we will be there with you during the entire endeavour."
Wilner Cayo, President of Stand Up For Dignity, described the fight being waged as a "struggle for dignity, for real change and the granting of permanent residence for all essential workers."
He noted that
Quebec's "guardian angels" have many faces. He said that they are not
only orderlies, they are also maintenance workers, security guards,
they're in the warehouses, they're drivers, they make deliveries. In
short, he said, "they are all the workers who were there every day
during the pandemic."
Addressing the Premier, he said that the heart of the Quebec people is not properly appreciated. He noted that Quebec "is a society with high ideals, with values of justice, respect, equity, values of human dignity." He said the Premier's "position in this file is one of the most fractious" and he has imposed "an improvised, mean, unjust" program, creating division among essential workers who were unified in the face of the coronavirus. "Your government is determined to cover up that precious contribution made by a good number of workers.... Your government has delivered a program devoid of humanity, poorly put together and disconnected from reality. Your evaluation of essential workers on a case-by-case basis defies all logic."
"Can our seniors survive through care alone?" he asked. "Why eliminate food sector workers? It was they who allowed us to eat, thereby proving their essential role."
"Mr. Legault and [Immigration Minister] Ms. Girault, how can you say that they were not at risk ..." he asked, "when dozens of employees contracted the virus at their workplace during their shift? Need we remind you that meat cutting and meat processing have nothing to do with tele-working."
He further noted that most of these essential workers without status "have been carrying on within conditions akin to modern slavery," which he said "is why many Quebeckers born here are not willing to accept to do what these people are consenting to do for their families. However, they are also doing it for their extended Quebec family."
Cayo pointed to
the "ever-growing profound suffering and deception of these workers,"
in the face of government indifference. These workers, he said,
continue to be treated as "second class citizens, despite their huge
contribution." Society, he continued, "is being eroded through the
exploitation of these people by agencies and their ill treatment at the
workplace."
Addressing himself to the government, he added, "The disgraceful treatment of these workers and the fact that their congested neighbourhoods have been turned into precarious breeding grounds for the disease is your doing, as they were not even provided with masks."
"The attitude of our governments," Cayo stated, "which continue to delay the regularization of these workers, does not reflect our society's profound values. We must go into action until such time as things progress and there is a satisfactory program in place for the granting of permanent residence for all essential workers."
He concluded, "In order to negotiate, a relationship of power is needed. We must unite, as our strength lies in our number."
(Photos: TML)
Migrant Workers Speak Out
On August 8, some 250 protesters participated in a rally outside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's constituency office in Montreal, demanding status for all migrants and that nobody be left behind. The action anticipated announcements by the federal and Quebec governments that provide the possibility of permanent status to only a small section of the essential workers who continue to work during the pandemic. The event's main organizer was Solidarity Across Borders.
The action began with representatives from Solidarity Across Borders explaining how those without permanent status are pushed into hard labour under dangerous and dismal working conditions, without health care, benefits, or emergency relief. In particular during the pandemic, while many Canadians were provided the opportunity to stay home and protect themselves, they were forced to face the dangers and thus allowed Canadian society to continue functioning at the risk of their own lives.
"All we want is
to live in dignity and be safe," said one of these workers, noting that
the undocumented continue to be excluded from all government programs,
such as employment insurance, health care, emergency benefits, social
assistance and a work permit, amongst other things.
"It's as if we don't exist," said another. "We have worked outdoors as security guards in -40 degree weather, made masks for everyone, cleaned private and public residences, worked at grocery stores, as care givers [...], in the fields, in meat-processing plants etc. both before and during the pandemic. We're continuously placed in harm's way to pay the rent and our expenses. We even pay taxes!"
Noting that people apply as refugees for good reason and asserting that no one should be left behind, one worker remarked: "Refugees, students, farm workers, care workers, we are all working and should not be criminalized." Commenting that many have been living in Quebec for over a decade, he added: "We're being neglected. We are part of this society. We left our families and our homes without anyone to take care of them, putting ourselves and them at risk. Now it's time to take care of us. This urgency has come because of the virus ... we are not objects that you throw away after using them. We are people, we deserve dignity and respect... We are all essential. All is all!"
A woman originally from Cameroon said: "My status is precarious. I'm an orderly. Recently I was assigned to health screening... I've done all kinds of painful, difficult and dangerous essential work over the past four years." She spoke of the pain that comes with work in cold-storage rooms or in fields for eight hours without the time to even stand up and stretch. She demanded that the discrimination being meted out against these workers and attempts to divide them be brought to an end. "All human beings have the right to equality, respect, dignity, to the same privileges in building a better world."
"We are the backbone of this country, of its economy," said another, commenting that that backbone must be "given an honest priority."
A machine operator employed in the agri-food industry remarked: "What we realize today is that the government is attempting to divide workers by saying that a certain category of workers, the one that provides care is more important than the one that feeds." Despite the fact that he and many others worked both before as well as during the pandemic, he commented: "When we arrive here, the government gives us a work permit that it is possible to renew year after year after year after year. However, they refuse to give us a status so that we can live calmly, peacefully, freely and in dignity; so that families can be reunited."
"Today we are experiencing a modern form of slavery," he continued. "It's as if you're one of the machines, you must work without letup. Everyone's stressed out!"
Wilner Cayo, President of Stand Up For Dignity, stated: "The next three weeks are going to be critical. The government is preparing to make an announcement on regularization. However, if we're not careful, that announcement may very well involve only a small number of people, leaving many other essential workers who have risked their lives behind." He went on to say that recently, he had met with migrant workers employed by Olymel, a Canadian meat-packing and food processing company. He informed that these workers are picked up by a yellow bus and driven to the company's plants and slaughterhouses in different towns. "They never stopped working during the pandemic," he remarked, "although others were provided with relief. These people must also be recognized and given permanent residency."
At first, he explained, his organization had only called for permanent residence for those working in CHSLDs (long-term care facilities) and seniors' residences. However, "as our relations developed amongst all our friends and the other organizations, we understood that without these people who work in the fields, in food processing, as security guards, those in the CHSLDs and seniors' residences would not be able to function. We are all essential."
"Make no mistake," he continued, "they will have no other choice than to listen to us. The more we exert pressure, the more they will have to listen to us. Together, it's possible!"
Frantz André, of the Action Committee on Non-Status Persons, also encouraged everyone to step up their struggle. "How many of us came here in search of a life, of hope? And you deserve it, you pay for it each and every day when you venture out and take risks. You and those who came before you have enriched Quebec's culture. We no longer have to prove anything," he stated.
André then invited everyone to participate in Stand Up for Dignity's encampment outside Prime Minister Trudeau's constituency office, which began August 9, to send the message to the Trudeau government that its present treatment of Canada's thousands upon thousands of migrant workers is criminal indeed.
(Photos: TML)
Federal Government's Permanent Residence Program for a "Category" of Asylum Seekers
Close to three months after having committed to looking into how to thank asylum seekers for providing care to seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has finally announced a special program for certain essential workers.
Its temporary measure "will provide a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants working in the health-care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Under that measure, "asylum claimants across the country who are working on the front lines providing direct care to patients in health-care institutions will be able to apply for permanent residency" provided they meet the criteria. The exception here is Quebec, as those wishing to settle there will require a Quebec Selection Certificate. The approach, claims the federal government, "recognizes those with precarious immigration status who are filling an urgent need and putting their own lives at risk to care for others in Canada."
As with all applicants for humanitarian and compassionate consideration, immediate family members (spouse and dependents) of the principal applicant are to be included in the application and granted permanent residence if the application is approved. Those who have been found ineligible to make an asylum claim, or who have withdrawn or abandoned their claims, would be excluded from applying.
To qualify, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:
- have claimed asylum before March 13, 2020;
- were issued a work permit after they made a claim for asylum;
- have worked in the health-care sector, in health institutions (for example, hospitals, long-term care homes, home care through an organization or agency, assisted living facilities);
- have worked in a designated occupation for no less than 120 hours between March 13, 2020 and August 14, 2020. The designated occupations that are included in this special measure are orderlies, nurses, nurses' aides and patient service associates, assistant orderlies and certain home support workers;
- demonstrate six months of experience in the designated occupation before being granted permanent residence. Applicants will have until August 31, 2021 to acquire this experience.
- have a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), if wishing to reside in Quebec;
- meet existing admissibility requirements, including those related to criminality, security and health.
Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino's Remarks
At a press conference in Montreal on August 14 to announce his government's "special program" for yet another "particular category" of refugee claimants, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said amongst other things: "We are here today to recognize these asylum claimants who, without even the promise of status in Canada and without any certainty, mobilized themselves at a time when we were the most in need." He continued, "These people overcame huge adversity just to come here, often fleeing conflict, war and persecution. They were attracted to Canada, by a simple but lasting promise that they could live in peace, raise their families and build a better life."
He continued,
"However, there's nothing easy about the journey of fulfilling that
promise, even though Canada is recognized as a world leader in
resettlement. Our own history has sadly been tainted by injustices that
have been visited upon those seeking safe harbour in Canada. We must
always reflect on these lessons of history and ask ourselves: can we do
better?"
"Today offers us such an opportunity, for we are here to acknowledge an exceptional group of asylum seekers, many of whom live right here in Montreal.
"These are people who themselves are vulnerable because of their history, but who were ready to place their own health and safety at risk to save the lives of others.
"These are people who were there hour after hour, day after day, month after month to work in hospitals and in long-term care and retirement homes, where COVID-19 struck the hardest. And it is these people who have supported our health care workers and who chose to contribute by assisting seniors, the sick and those fighting for their lives since the beginning of the pandemic.
"They put themselves at risk and we are grateful for their service, for their sacrifice and for their instinct to put the needs of the community ahead of all else.
"I know we will remember their courage and compassion for years to come.
"As these individuals face an uncertain future in Canada, the current circumstances merit exceptional measures in recognition of their exceptional service during the pandemic.
"So today, we are introducing a one-time measure that will provide a specific pathway to permanent residence for asylum claimants working in Canada's health care sector in recognition of their exceptional contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Those qualifying for an assessment within the framework of this temporary program are refugee claimants, including failed claimants, and those whose claims are pending and who are working in the health care sector and members of their families living in Canada. [...]
"Canada is, above all else, a nation where we all look out for one another, a place where people seek to recognize those who put others first, even if that invites personal risk, even if no one asked them to help out, even if they did so simply because they felt it was the right thing to do.
"The Prime Minister made a commitment to the country with regard to a means to recognize such dedication by asylum seekers who chose to act to uphold our collective effort nationally in support of all those fighting against COVID-19. Today we are respecting that commitment. This is about an exceptional measure, for exceptional times in recognition of exceptional service..."
(Source: CPAC)
About the Federal Government's "Historic and Significant" Announcement
At a press conference in Montreal on August 14 announcing the federal government's program providing a pathway to permanent residence for some essential workers during the pandemic, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino was asked why the government had not included security guards and maintenance workers.
Mendicino responded that the program's aim "is to place the focus on asylum seekers that had worked within a high risk environment" such as in hospitals and seniors' homes.
The Minister of Immigration was also asked if he could give an estimate as to the number of workers who would benefit from the program.
"As we are placing the focus on designated professions," he responded, "there is no precise number today."
Another journalist insisted that the Minister try to be more precise about whether the measure would be covering a hundred or a thousand people, to which Mendicino replied that for the moment he was unable to do so.
The Minister was also asked whether those whose refugee claims had already been heard and refused by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada would be able to have their files revisited.
"No, I don't think so," Mendicino replied, adding "This is only to be able to create a bit of flexibility for asylum claimants who had submitted a claim under a different process, but it's very specific, the criteria are there to create a framework for the program." This appears to contradict what he said earlier in the press conference that those qualifying for an assessment under the new program would include “failed claimants.”
He was also asked if the program could be expanded eventually to include other types of occupations in the health care sector outside of care.
"It's a special program for this group," he said, "However, we know that there are other groups who contributed to responding to COVID-19 such as foreign workers, in particular those in the agricultural sector where there are also risks and as the Prime Minister has said, this foreign worker program must be improved."
Might there, then, be another announcement with regard to temporary foreign workers in the agricultural sector, he was then asked.
"Listen," he responded "we've injected a lot of money and resources and support for foreign workers, to the tune of more than $100 million to introduce supports for foreign workers and we will continue discussing with that group, however today this is [about] a very particular program with a very particular focus on refugee claimants."
The same reporter then clarified that he was specifically referring to maintenance and other essential service workers.
"This is a special program for asylum claimants," Mendicino shot back.
"So then it will not be expanded?"
"No" he replied.
"We've already spoken with people who were involved in this, helping asylum seekers and they say the criteria is extremely strict," commented another reporter. "For example, it doesn't include people who may have begun working in April, for example, in health care as well as those who may have actually gotten sick with COVID-19 because of the work that they do. Can you explain why the criteria is as strict as it is?"
Said Mendicino: "We really wanted to place an emphasis on the exceptional contributions of the asylum seekers who put themselves at the greatest risk by working in hospitals, in long-term care homes, and that was really the focus, the genesis of this program. We had a number of conversations with the Quebec government and other stakeholders as well, to really understand how it is that we could include as many as possible, but really the focus was on the risk, and with regards to the issue as to whether or not somebody may have become ill with COVID-19, we're continuing to work with the government of Quebec to be sure that any disruption in that time frame does not count against them as a discount as they apply for eligibility. So that's an ongoing detail that we are continuing to have discussions about."
The same journalist noted that the estimated number of people who will be affected by the program was around a thousand, commenting that "this is actually a very minor group, a very small announcement!"
"Well,
I would say that this is an important announcement," the Minister
retorted. "And for every person that is going to be accepted under it,
it will be a life-changing moment, not only for them, but for their
spouses and for their children. And we shouldn't dismiss that and we
know that this is something [...] that will resonate with the
community. Because there are those who did contribute, who did put
themselves in harm's way, notwithstanding the fact that they are among
the most vulnerable. As I mentioned in my remarks, the asylum seekers
who came to Canada had to overcome great adversity just to get here and
once here, looking around at their community, asked themselves 'How can
I give back?' You know, they may not have had that piece of paper in
their hand that said that they had permanent residence status or are a
Canadian citizen, but they demonstrated a uniquely Canadian quality,
which is that they were prepared to fight back, give back at a time
when we needed them the most. And that's the point of this program.
This is a significant and historic announcement and every person who is
going to be accepted under it will, I think, remember this day for
quite some time to come."
(Photo: C. Martin)
Quebec Announces Special Program for Asylum Seekers during the COVID-19 Period
On August 14, in tandem with the federal government's announcement of its "Pathway to Permanent Residency" temporary measure, the Quebec government announced its "Special Program for Asylum Seekers during the COVID-19 period." Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration has confirmed "the upcoming adoption of a new immigration program" in Quebec that "will allow asylum seekers who provided direct care to patients and seniors since the start of the health crisis" to settle in Quebec permanently.
The Ministry states that the purpose of the program is "to thank asylum seekers who provided direct care during the pandemic to patients and seniors, by making it easier for them to obtain their permanent residency. Those awaiting a decision about their refugee status and who have been denied will be able to take advantage of this program, if they meet the selection conditions."
Family members "who are here in Canada with the asylum seeker can also be included in the application."
The date on which the program comes into effect "will be announced at a later date."
"The government must render its decision before the program can come into effect. All information about this future program, particularly selection conditions, are subject to change and will therefore be announced on a preliminary and informative basis, pending decisions required to enact the regulation that will bring the program into effect."
To be eligible for the program, applicants domiciled in Quebec must first meet the conditions of the federal program, meaning that "they applied for asylum before March 13 and obtained a work permit after their application for asylum."
To be selected by Quebec, they must also meet the following conditions:
- have worked in Quebec for at least 120 hours between March 13, 2020 and August 14, 2020, in one of the eligible occupations, in a public or private health facility or for a social economy or private homecare enterprise;
- have acquired at least six months' full-time work experience in Quebec or 750 hours (acquired full time or part time) in one of the eligible occupations, in a public or private health institution or for a social economy or private homecare enterprise, before or during the duration of the special immigration program.
All the above-mentioned selection conditions must be met no later than August 31, 2021.
Specific measures are also to be set out for certain exceptional cases, in particular for asylum seekers who contracted COVID-19 while working in health care. These measures would also apply to the families in Quebec of asylum seekers who worked in healthcare and died due to COVID-19.
The eligable occupations related to the delivery of health care are:
- nursing coordinators and supervisors (NOC 3011);
- registered nurses (NOC 3012);
- licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233);
- nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 3413);
- home support workers (NOC 4412: for occupations that involve providing direct care only).
Once permanent residency has been obtained, applicants can send for their family abroad under the family reunification program.
No ceiling will be established "since the objective of this program for permanent application is to show gratitude to asylum seekers for their important contribution working in the health sector during the pandemic."
No fees will be charged for submitting an application in Quebec, although fees will be charged by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
(Immigration, Francization and Integration Quebec)
COVID-19 Update
Statement from the Chief Public
Health Officer of Canada
The following statement was released by Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, on August 27, 2020.
There have been 126,417 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 9,094 deaths. 89 per cent of people have now recovered. Labs across Canada tested an average of almost 48,000 people daily over the past week with 0.7 per cent testing positive. Currently, Canada is testing more than 140 people for every positive case. An average of just over 400 new cases have been reported daily during the most recent seven days.
As public health authorities and Canadians continue with our collective effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, we are closely monitoring disease activity indicators including daily case counts, number of cases hospitalized and the percentage of people testing positive in order to inform, adjust and adapt our actions as needed.
Although we continue to have new cases and clusters reported, with recent increased activity in provinces west of Ontario, nationally the average daily cases counts have remained at or below 500 cases since mid-June. This indicates that local public health authorities are continuing to keep COVID-19 spread under manageable control. Nevertheless, a slow increase in daily case counts can quickly get out of hand. If we don't all maintain recommended public health practices, we could quickly move out of the slow burn safe zone into uncontrolled epidemic growth.
Keeping the slow burn is not something public health can do alone. In addition to physical distancing, frequent handwashing and wearing of non-medical masks, where appropriate, we must all keep our number of contacts low. With COVID-19 circulating across Canada and worldwide, an exposure can occur at any time and in any place. Fewer contacts means that when an exposure does occur, the work of testing and isolating cases and tracing and quarantining contacts to interrupt transmission and keep the overall infection rate low does not become unmanageable for local public health authorities.
Everyone
has a part to play; we are all firefighters in keeping COVID-19 at a
slow burn. There are tried and true public health practices that will
keep us on the slow burn, but they are only assured to work if we all
remain vigilant and don't give in to "COVID fatigue." You can find
additional information and guidance to increase your COVID-19 know-how
on ways to reduce your risk of getting infected and spreading the virus
to those you care about here.
(Public Health Agency of Canada, August 27, 2020)
75th Anniversary of Vietnam's August Revolution and National Day
Beautiful Celebration Held in Toronto
On August 20, the Canada Vietnam Friendship Society hosted a celebration to mark the 75th Anniversary of the August Revolution that overthrew the Japanese militarists and French colonialists and culminated with Vietnam's declaration of independence. Ho Chi Minh formally issued the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, which is now known as Vietnam's National Day.
The Toronto celebration, with limited participation due to COVID-19, was all the more significant because of the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Canada, Pham Cao Phong.
The national anthems of Canada and Vietnam opened the proceedings. A solemn minute's silence was then observed to mark the recent passing of former Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Le Kha Phieu. Condolences for this loss of an outstanding Vietnamese hero and leader was extended to the Vietnamese people through His Excellency Ambassador Pham.
The keynote presentation for the celebration was given by Professor Nguyen Dai Trang, an internationally recognized author and expert on the life of Ho Chi Minh and the history of Vietnam. Professor Nguyen noted that on the 75th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day the Vietnamese people look back with pride at their historic liberation of their country under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam; as well as the achievements of the last 75 years, realized by the Vietnamese people through their own efforts. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam today thrives as a modern country playing a positive role in the world.
Professor Nguyen also touched on her own work over the last 25 years to popularize the historical legacy of President Ho Chi Minh and his inspiration not only to the Vietnamese people but the peoples of the world. By relying on the lessons of the last 75 years she said, the future of Vietnam looks bright and prosperous.
His Excellency Ambassador Pham then addressed the meeting. He noted the historic importance of the August Revolution and the Declaration of Independence by President Ho Chi Minh 75 years ago, marking Vietnam as the first country in Asia to gain its freedom and independence from colonial rule. This in turn served to inspire the independence struggles of the peoples of Asia and other continents.
Ambassador Pham also cited the close links between the people and government of Vietnam in the successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic at the first stage and that the government took immediate measures with the recent outbreak in Danang. He expressed hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be defeated through the cooperation of all countries and people. His Excellency noted as well that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the country has successfully built its economy and trade relations with other countries. He expressed appreciation of the strengthening of bilateral ties between Canada and Vietnam over the last 50 years and predicted that this relationship will grow.
The celebration included a power point presentation of a virtual museum called "Ho Chi Minh Arts Online" created by members of the Canada Vietnam Friendship Society. The online museum was developed to promote writings, poems, historic photographs and artwork concerning the life of President Ho Chi Minh and his legacy to the entire world.
Following the formal presentation, the participants engaged in discussion, viewed the display of students' art and took the opportunity to get a signed copy of one of Professor Nguyen's recent books on Ho Chi Minh.
In his closing remarks, Philip Fernandez, the emcee and a
founding member of the Canada Vietnam Friendship Society, invited
everyone to join the Canada Vietnam Friendship Society and its work to
promote fraternal ties and exchanges between the Vietnamese people and
Canadian people for mutual benefit and for peace. He noted "Our links
and ties run deep with the daughters and sons of the new Vietnam,
integrated as one in the Canadian polity, enriching our society, our
culture, our life and contributing to the human-centred society that we
as Canadians want to see for our country."
(Photos: TML)
Online Celebration to Be Held September 2
Celebrate the 75th
Anniversary of the August Revolution
and Vietnam National
Day
Wednesday, September 2 --
6:00-7:30 pm
Organized by the Canada-Vietnam Friendship Society
For
information and to register contact: info@c-vfs.com
Keynote Address
Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Canada, H.E. Pham Cao Phong
Two Documentary Videos
- Aspiration for Independence and Freedom: Ho Chi Minh's Life and Work Until 1927
- The August Revolution and Vietnam's Independence
Discussion
Inaugural Presentation of the Ho Chi Minh Virtual Arts Museum
Worldwide Support for the Palestinian People and Their Right to Be
Thousands Around the World Join the Days of Resistance for Palestine
The Days of Resistance for Palestine between August 7 and 9, brought together thousands of organizers and supporters of justice for Palestine around the world to stand with the Palestinian people, their resistance to colonization, annexation and occupation and their struggle for justice, return and liberation throughout Palestine, from the river to the sea.
Despite attacks from high-level Israeli officials that aimed to suppress these actions, noting that they had "warned Western governments" about the protests, over 100 organizations joined Samidoun's call for the Days of Resistance, with an array of diverse actions taking place around the world. These events included protests, car caravans, art and cultural interventions and public educational events, all in support of the Palestinian people and their right to resist.
Read on for a detailed report on the events and actions around the world.
Thursday, August 6– Confronting Elbit
London, England
Friday,
August 7 – Taking the Streets
Copenhagen, Denmark
Madrid,
Spain
New York City
Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday,
August 8 – Actions Around the World
Anaheim,
California
Boston, Massachusetts
Berkeley, California
Dearborn,
Michigan
Vancouver, BC
Toulouse, France
Auckland,
New Zealand
Gothenburg, Sweden
Malmo, Sweden
Copenhagen, Denmark
Manchester, England
London, England
Liverpool, England
Glasgow, Scotland
Brighton, England
Sunday,
9 August – The Resistance Continues
Bloomington, Indiana
Montreal, Quebec
Hundreds joined the march, which included a massive Palestinian flag that stretched down the street alongside Metro Jarry.
Toronto, Ontario
In Toronto, the Palestinian Youth Movement organized a youth art-focused action on Sunday, August 9 as part of the Days of Resistance, first at Yonge and Dundas Square and then moving to the steps of Ryerson University. Participants distributed information about Palestinian political prisoners and the threatened annexation of Palestine, spoke out about the ongoing attacks on Palestine and the Palestinian people's continued resistance and created signs and banners.
Participants also shared Palestinian culture, including plants, food, embroidery, music and dance, and linked the Palestinian struggle with liberation movements globally, including the Indigenous struggle for sovereignty and self-determination and the Black Liberation Movement.
Toulouse, France
The Days of Resistance continued in Toulouse as the Collectif Palestine Vaincra created a mural to salute the Palestinian resistance on Sunday, 9 August. With the word "resistance"/muqawama in Arabic at the centre, the mural also highlighted various Palestinian figures of resistance: Ghassan Kanafani, Samira Azzam and Basil al-Araj alongside a map of Palestine from the river to the sea.
Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners for Samidoun and the Collectif Palestine Vaincra as they created the mural collectively.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Further actions for the Days of Resistance continued in Copenhagen, where the Internationalt Forum -- Middle East Group hosted Mohammed Khatib, Europe coordinator of Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, for an event remembering the legacy of Ghassan Kanafani's revolutionary cultural work and commitment to Palestinian resistance.
The event was attended by Anni Kanafani, Ghassan Kanafani's widow and the founder of the Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Foundation, which runs kindergartens and children's programs throughout the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, as well as Fayez Kanafani, Ghassan Kanafani's son. Anni Kanafani introduced Mohammed Khatib, noting that Mohammed, as a child, had attended summer programs organized by the Foundation in Ain el-Helweh refugee camp.
The event was moderated by Irene Clausen of the Internationalt Forum, longtime Palestine organizer and author of the book, The PFLP and Palestine (published in Danish.)
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In Amsterdam, Samidoun Nederland organized an action for the Days of Resistance on Museumplein, which included a discussion of the revolutionary cultural and political legacies of Ghassan Kanafani and Naji al-Ali. Participants carried signs in support of Palestinian political prisoners, including Ahmad Sa'adat and Georges Ibrahim Abdallah.
They also joined the large action for Indigenous Peoples' Day, alongside Makibas Foundation, Free West Papua Campaign, Building the Baileo and several Kurdish organizations to express anti-colonial and anti-imperialist solidarity.
Cleveland, Ohio
Midwest SJP and the Palestinian Youth Movement organized a Day of Rage in Cleveland on Sunday, August 9 for the international action days, marching from Public Square to defend Palestine against colonization and annexation.
Online Events Continue the Resistance
The Days of Resistance also included several online events and
actions. Samidoun Network in occupied Palestine, along with Palestinian
Youth Movement, Al Naqab Center and the HIRAK (Palestinian Youth
Mobilization in Berlin) hosted an online webinar with Palestinian
writer Khaled Barakat and Bir Zeit University professor Amira Silmi on
Saturday, August 8, discussing the lives, struggles and revolutionary
legacies of Naji al-Ali and Ghassan Kanafani (in Arabic). Watch the
full video here.
This Video for the Days of Resistance was created by the Collectif Palestine Vaincra in Toulouse, France, a member organization of the Samidoun network, which also organized several events and actions. It highlights the over 100-year history of Palestinian resistance to colonialism, Zionism and imperialism.
In Brazil, the Frente em Defesa do
Povo Palestino organized an online event remembering Ghassan Kanafani
and expressing their commitment to continued struggle as part of the
Days of Resistance on 8 August. Participants also expressed their
solidarity with the people of Lebanon, especially workers and refugees,
amid the explosion in Beirut and its aftermath. Watch the video (in
Portuguese) here.
BDS Bahrain organized an online event for the Days of
Resistance, "Boycott as a Duty," in which Prof. Abdel-Rasoul Ashour
spoke about the importance of confronting normalization, especially in
the Arab region. Watch the full video in Arabic here.
The We Rise Podcast created a podcast, with interventions,
music and more, for the Days of Resistance, with the theme, "No to
Annexation." The creators noted, "Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner
Solidarity Network has called for all organizations in support of
Palestinian liberation to endorse the "Days of Resistance," in occupied
Palestine and internationally, August 7-9, 2020. In response,
Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) chapters and many organizations across
the nation are participating in actions throughout this weekend."
Listen to the podcast here.
BDS Boston also organized online cultural interventions as
part of the Days of Resistance and Black August, highlighting
Palestinian and Black writings of resistance. The BDS Boston campaign
has featured works by Ghassan Kanafani, Kamal Nasir, George Jackson,
Fadwa Tuqan and more, including a video of "Here we shall stay" by
Tawfiq Zayyad here.
A new organization in Munster, Germany, Palästina
Antikolonial Munster, launched during the Days of Resistance after
organizing a protest on July 25 against annexation and colonization in
Palestine. Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network salutes
Palästina Antikolonial Munster and its clear anti-racist,
anti-colonial vision and commitment to the liberation of Palestine.
Samidoun Stockholm also issued a statement for the Days of
Resistance, emphasizing: "This weekend's mobilizations show that
another world is possible. Samidoun Stockholm claims with the utmost
clarity that we also have to intensify our conscious struggle against
imperialism and its lackeys. We extend our warmest greetings of
solidarity to the struggling peoples around the world and we extend our
promise to strengthen practical international solidarity. We demand:
Freedom for all Palestinian prisoners! France and the USA
out of Asia! An end to the Israeli occupation and a free, unified
Palestine!"
As the Days of Resistance come to a
close, the Palestinian resistance – and our actions of
struggle – move forward, continue and grow stronger. We must
continue to stand with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian
resistance in all of its forms, to defend Palestine from colonization,
annexation, occupation and apartheid. Together, we organize to confront
imperialism, Zionism and the reactionary regimes that continue to
collaborate with these forces of oppression, and to struggle for
liberation. Internationalist struggle that recognizes our firm
connections of unified struggle against our common oppressors is
central to our movement, including to the struggle to free
revolutionary political prisoners.
We salute all
of the endorsers, organizers, activists and communities involved in
building these protests and actions, and we look forward to continuing
to struggle, hand in hand, for Black liberation, Indigenous liberation,
Palestinian liberation and the liberation of all peoples from
imperialism and colonialism. Every victory of the peoples in struggle
against these forces is a victory for Palestine and for our collective
liberation.
To join Samidoun or find out more
about how you can get involved with our work, organize a chapter, or
volunteer to support our organizing: contact us via email at
samidoun@samidoun.net or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Samidoun's existing chapters are below. We invite you to join us to
stand with the Palestinian prisoners, the Palestinian resistance and
the Palestinian people, with an internationalist vision of struggle,
for the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea.
Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network
Samidoun
Gothenburg (Sweden)
Samidoun Stockholm (Sweden)
Collectif Palestine Vaincra (France)
Samidoun Netherlands
Samidoun Greece
Samidoun Occupied Palestine
HIRAK
(Palestinian Youth Mobilization, Germany)
Below
are several of the posters developed by people in Palestine and around
the world as part of the Days of Resistance. Click images to enlarge.
(Photos: Samidoun, TML)
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